VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES NOVEMBER 19/2023

Stuff To Do Indoors This Winter In The Thompson-Okanagan

Some may want to escape reality altogether this winter at Arcadia Virtual Reality Lounge in Kelowna Image Credit: Arcadia Virtual Reality Lounge/ Facebook December 03, 2023 - 8:00 AM Snow and freezing temperatures aren't for everyone. Luckily, there's a range of activities to take part in this winter that don't require a thermal layer. Escape rooms, of which there are several establishments dotted across the Okanagan, offer gamers and puzzle solvers the chance to put their skills to the test in a real-life scenario.  EXIT Escape Games has locations in Kelowna, Penticton, and Kamloops. Visitors to the venue get the opportunity to explore real-life game settings and work as a team to find their way out. According to its website, EXIT offers something for everyone, including first-time visitors and experienced players. Virtual reality lounges also offer not just an escape from the cold, but an escape from reality through a range of immersive gaming experiences. In Kelowna, Arcadia Virtual Reality Lounge hosts a range of augmented reality games in an 80s arcade style lounge. The location has eight booths where visitors can play alongside their friends inside an augmented world. The lounge also offers a weekly 'Nerd & Brew' where adults can come kick back with a locally brewed beer and some VR headsets. Xperience Games in Kelowna also offers virtual reality escape rooms. As well as Penticton Virtual Reality Studio and Kamloops' All Around GamerZ VR Lounge & Arcade which provide similar experiences. For those who mourning their local golf course as it gets covered under a thick blanket of snow, there are even more virtual alternatives. The recently opened Okanagan Virtual Golf is the first of its kind in Penticton and promises to deliver an immersive golfing experience. As do Simplex Sportszone and Anytime Sim Golf in Kelowna, as well as Strictly Golf in Vernon and the Breaking Par Golf Academy in Kamloops. READ MORE: Penticton business takes a swing at virtual golf Axe throwing is another indoor sport available to the more daredevil locals. Head to Axemonkeys in Kelowna to let some rage out, whether that hurling an axe through the air or unleashing total destruction in a rage room. Similarly, lazer tag venues give both kids and adults the opportunity to get out some of that dormant winter energy. Planet Lazer in Kelowna and The Fun Facter Fun Centre in Kamloops, both offer this experience. Climbing is another option for the more adventurous types, with Gneiss Climbing, Beyond the Crux Climbing Gym and the Energyplex Entertainment Centre in Kelowna and the Rock Garden Climbing Centre in Vernon, as well as Cliffside Climbing Gym in Kamloops. On the other end of the scale, for those looking for a more relaxed excursion science centres, museums and art galleries are scattered through Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops and Penticton. As well as countless wineries, many of which provide ice-wine tasting.  What's your favourite indoor wintertime entertainment? Let us know in the comments below. To contact a reporter for this story, email Georgina Whitehouse or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw. We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here. News from © iNFOnews, 2023

PHOTOS: Beat The Winter Blues With Cold Dip Kelowna

Cold Dip Kelowna is an ever-growing community of people who enjoy the benefits of bathing in cold water.

Some people might call them crazy, but to Tracy Cramer it has so many benefits.

Cramer started cold dips on a dare while living in the Shuswap. She's glad to have found the Kelowna group after moving. "I love the grounding affect that I get from being in there. The breathing, you really have to concentrate on your breath and without the breathing it's going to be a tough time in there. I think just being able to regulate as an adult is huge."

Briann, a woman living with a disability, also took part in the cold dip. She was there with the assistance of CRIS (Community Recreational Initiatives Society) Adaptive Adventures program.

"It helps reduce my anxiety and helps reset the mind," she said. Briann is able to participate in the cold plunge with CRIS' adapted wheelchair. The adaptive equipment also allows her to get on hiking trails, with the area of Rose Valley being her favourite.

Briann is getting ready for the big Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 1, 2024. The annual plunge is fundraising for CRIS Adaptive Adventures so more people like Briann can enjoy outdoor activities.

The dip on Dec. 10 was hosted by Jackson Kurtz. He welcomed the group with a meditation circle and encouraged those who were nervous or there for their first dip to just ask for assistance from the more experienced in the group.

The group meets every Sunday at 10 a.M. At Tug Boat Beach.

READ MORE: Sun's out, buns out: A cool start to 2023 with Kelowna's annual Polar Bear Dip

Hot Chocolate, Live Music, And Santa Highlight Downtown Kelowna Winter Market

The light-up is happening at Stuart Park at 5:30 p.M. On Saturday, Dec. 2

The Downtown Kelowna Association's Winter Market and Light-up is taking place this Saturday, Dec. 2. (Downtown Kelowna Association)

The downtown Kelowna winter market and light up is returning on Dec. 2.

This Saturday, the Downtown Kelowna Association is bringing back the event to Stuart Park, Water Street will be lined with market vendors as well as live music and free family activities. Skating will also be available at the outdoor skating rink at Stuart Park while the light-up is at 5:30 p.M. The live music will begin at 3 p.M.

Market-goers can keep warm by enjoying hot chocolate, which is available by donation with proceeds going to the Central Okanagan Food Bank. Anyone who wants to escape the cold can also go into Leopold's Tavern and visit the 'warm-up station'.

Photos with Santa will also be available. All pre-booked photo reservations are full but walk-ins are available.

To accommodate the event, Water Street between the Doyle and Queensway roundabouts, will be closed from 6 a.M. To 8:30 p.M.

READ MORE: Shop 'til you drop at Kelowna's Craft Culture Holiday Market

READ MORE: Outdoor skating to open Friday at Kelowna's Stuart Park

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